SINGAPORE, May 24, 2011 – For the fourth consecutive time, Jones Lang LaSalle has been recognized as the best overall provider of corporate real estate (CRE) services by the Watkins 2011 Survey of Corporate Real Estate Service Providers.

Of the 23 providers evaluated by the largest users of commercial real estate services, Jones Lang LaSalle was rated #1 overall and in several key categories, including use of cutting-edge technology, financial strength, reputation, and geographic scope.

The survey is conducted every two years by the Watkins Research Group Inc., in a joint project with Flaspöhler Research Group. Interviews were conducted with 208 CRE decision-makers from 191 public, private and public institutions or government agency organizations. The group represents North America’s largest users of CRE services and includes 53 Fortune 500 companies and 46 Financial Times Global 500 companies.

Not only did Jones Lang LaSalle receive the highest overall rating among all firms, but it also was rated #1 for several key considerations respondents listed as most important in selecting CRE providers. These considerations, which were characterized as adding to clients’ bottom lines or demonstrating strong client orientation, include:

Is business savvy

Is financially strong

Has a strong reputation and is respected in the industry

Has offices in all the major markets where needed

Monitors performance with metrics

Uses state-of-the-art technology

More than half (56.2%) of those surveyed currently use Jones Lang LaSalle’s services, ranking it as the most utilized CRE services firm on the list.

"Our highly experienced and talented professionals, client-focused culture and superior quality service delivery differentiate Jones Lang LaSalle in the minds of corporate real estate leaders,” said John Forrest, CEO of Corporate Solutions, for Jones Lang LaSalle in Asia Pacific.. “Receiving the highly-respected Watkins Research Group distinction of top corporate real estate service provider for the fourth consecutive time is a testament to the dedication, talent and expertise of Jones Lang LaSalle’s people around the world.”

"We have a deep commitment to our clients to continue to develop the most forward-thinking concepts and strategies that align real estate with overall business goals and gain competitive advantage,” Said Mr Forrest.

CRE teams globally are moving towards more sophisticated partnership models with external service providers. According to Jones Lang LaSalle’s inaugural Global Corporate Real Estate Survey 2011, 80% of CRE executives worldwide are planning to either fully or partially outsource their CRE functions within the next three years.

Mr Forrest said, “CRE teams will be challenged to drive increased productivity through real estate while pursuing portfolio growth alongside continued right-sizing. In Asia Pacific, the opposing forces of cost reduction and business growth are driving CRE leaders to become more strategic and align more closely with business strategy.

“Many will need to progress their journey along the outsourcing curve and partner with specialist real estate service providers in order to effectively meet these challenges. For those already at the head of the curve, re-evaluating existing relationships will ensure full value and benefit is being extracted,” said Mr Forrest.